Thursday, September 9, 2010

Peggy's Attic (Child Haven) is one of the local organizations that could really use your help. If you would like a rewarding project, please consider helping them with the following items:

Toddler size socks (boys and girls), sizes 2t to 5t.
Toddler size underwear (boys and girls).
Elementary size children's (boys and girls) underwear, socks, t-shirts, and pants
Teen girls pajamas - small through extra large and undershirts
Teen boys pajamas - small through extra large and undershirts.

Feel free to bring them to the Humanitarian Service Room as we make regular trips around town and would be happy to deliver them to Child Haven. You, of course, can take them directly to Child Haven, which is located at 701 N. Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101-2411.

If you have any questions, please call us here at the Humanitarian Service Room. Our phone number is 649-8191 ext. 134.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010


Over the last few years we have received donations of various wooden toys. Some were simple blocks and others were animals and cars and trains. As we placed these donations we were told that many of the recipient were concerned about the ability to keep the toys clean. However, for family situations or individuals these toys would be a wonderful gift. If any Relief Society leaders or Bishops are aware of any families who would enjoy these hand-made wooden toys, like the ones that many of us grew up with, please let us know of the need and we will be glad to share them.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

WARD HUMANITARIAN LEADERS

Ward Humanitarian Leaders -You have been called by your priesthood leader, a member of your Bishopric. What projects would he have you do? You are under his direction. He may have specific ideas or he may have you lead your ward in service projects, under his direction. Through inspiration there are many ways to serve the poor and needy. Do not underestimate the inspiration you are entitled to. You will find countless ways to serve those in need, both around the world and in your community. Make it meaningful. Remember, “it is only service when there is a need”.

You may use the Humanitarian Service Room (HSR) as a place to serve or for a resource. As a place to serve, we have many projects set up. Anyone can drop by during our hours: Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 10am until 4pm. They may serve for any length of time. If you have more than six in your group, we encourage you to call us at 702-649-8191 x134 to schedule an appointment so that we may have projects set up for you.

As a resource, the HSR has Wish Lists for Charitable Organizations (501c3) which serve our community. You may decide to make something or gather material donations for the needs on those lists. These items when finished may be brought to the HSR to be distributed or you may take them to the recipient organization yourselves.

The HSR also has a list of organizations in Las Vegas area that accept volunteers. You may contact those organizations to see if they have a need for your group to do a hands-on project for them.

Perhaps you will find a charitable organization on your own. If you are impressed to support their efforts and help meet their needs go ahead. If they have a project that you think would interest others, spread the word, let us know. Maybe the HSR can help.

If you see a need for a project yourself and need financial help in meeting that need, you may contact the supervising couple at the HSR to see if any funds are available. Through proper guidelines and approval, the HSR may be able to help you fill that need.

Other resources include:

The HSR Blog at lasvegashsr.blogspot.com. Here you will get the latest needs of the HSR in Salt Lake as well as some of our local needs and other important updates.

www.lds.org/providentliving/humanitarian. Here you will find ideas and some of the patterns which are accepted at the HSR in Salt Lake City and at the Las Vegas HSR.

May you be blessed in your righteous efforts.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Recycle "Gently Used" Back-Packs

As we end another school year our children look forward to the break from having to carry those heavy back-packs back and forth from school. Most of our kids will get new back-packs at the start of the new school year but some of our kids will not have a back-pack at all, much less a new one.
If you have any "gently used" back-packs available we would ask you to consider sharing them with those who would appreciate them. If you bring them to the Humanitarian Service Room, we will fill the back-packs with school and hygiene items and forward them to the appropriate schools for distribution to those in need.
This is an opportunity to share. Wards and other groups are encouraged to take up back-pack collections for this project in time for the next school year.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Las Vegas Volunteer Opportunities

As the Church grows, some programs must change to meet needs and to respond to opportunities. While the Humanitarian Service Rooms have been and continue to be successful in providing a significant response to many diverse situations throughout the world, and have provided an opportunity for those prompted to come together in service, the tradition of a centralized distribution of these relief supplies must be adjusted to meet the changing circumstances and opportunities throughout the world.

Consistent with the doctrines of Preparedness and Self Reliance other areas of the world will now be called on to participate in their own preparedness by shifting the assembly and production of their emergency response commodities to more regional sources.

As a result our Humanitarian Service Rooms have likewise begun to be more locally focused, with volunteers working to address more local needs, but still prepared to participate in any worth while effort.

Our own Las Vegas area communities have many opportunities for service. Here are some additional local service groups that would benefit from and would appreciate your help as volunteers:


The Blind Center of Nevada

The Blind Center provides work opportunity and social activities and strives to create a positive social setting and support system for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

1001 N. Bruce Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89101

Phone#: 702-642-6000

Contact: Elise Leos or Ronnie Wilson

Individuals welcome, Groups also.

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Assist at front desk or with art and music classes, read to clients, help assemble projects, host guests and escort clients to activities. Volunteers with knowledge of computers are also needed.

Blind Center/Chatty Cathy

Work: 702-642-6000

Las Vegas, NV 89101

http://www.blindcenter.org

Description: Are you the type of person who can strike up a conversation with anyone? Do friends often comment on how nice you are to everyone? Take advantage of your friendly and outgoing personality to brighten the day of clients who are blind or visually impaired. Enjoy friendly conversation, help members participate in activities and listen to the stories the clients have to share. No experience is necessary just patience, kindness and a positive attitude. Families can participate

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation

The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation works side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, educational, financial and psychological support services and programs to families of children with a life threatening or critical illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders and other immunologic diseases.

6070 S. eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV., 89119

Contact: Barbara Porter,

Phone #: 702-735-8434,

e-mail: barbara@nvccf.org

Individuals and Groups are welcome.

Min/Max number: All welcome

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Volunteers are needed to assist with many of the events throughout the year.

Shade Tree

The Shade Tree meets two needs. First, homeless or abused women and children are offered immediate protection and safety. Next, we help our clients return to a life of stability, dignity, and self-reliance.

#1 West Owens (at Main Street), N.L.V., NV

Phone #:702-385-0072-ext.105 ,

e-mail: mailto:vc@theshadetree.org?subject=Volunteer%20Inquiry%20from%20Website.

Individuals welcome, Groups also.

Min/Max number: All welcome

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and there is also a need for bilingual volunteers as Client Advocates, in Parenting Classes and Life Skills Classes.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House aims to meet guest families’ daily needs by offering a caring environment where sharing families help each other to relieve feelings of isolation and helplessness.

Services include transportation; clothing and personal items; counseling referrals, memorial or legal services; and communication resources with friends and family.

2323 Potosi Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89146

(off of Sahara, west of Decatur)

Contact: Sarah Crichlow,

Phone #: 252-4663, ext 3,

Individuals are welcome. Groups up to 10

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Volunteers help in preparing meals, light house keeping and help facilitate events.

Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

The NPHY is a volunteer based program designed to help abused, runaway, homeless youth who may have been subjected to, or are at risk, of sexual exploitation achieve self-sufficiency, stronger independence and reduced isolation through on-going support.

S. Maryland Pkwy at Reno (next to 7-11)

Contact: Larry Lovelett,

Phone#: 702-383-1332.

e-mail: llovelett@nphy.org

Types of work tasks for volunteers:

Staff information desk, answer questions, refer clients to resource facilities, tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and serve refreshments. Volunteers may also help canvass neighborhoods circulating NPHY flyers for events and services.

University Medical Center

UMC is a county operated full-service, level 1, hospital which serves the emergency and pediatric needs of the Las Vegas community and its diverse population, regardless of financial status.

1800 W Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV, 89102

Contact: Suzanne Fain702-383-2388

e-mail: Suzanne.fain@umcsn.com

HopeLink

HopeLink's mission is to build a better community by preventing homelessness, keeping families intact, and promoting self-sufficiency through a number of programs.

Henderson, NV

566-0576

http://www.link2hope.org

Basic Needs

Basic Needs volunteers meet with clients to provide food, clothing, and transportation assistance to low-income individuals and families. Basic Needs volunteers work one half day per week and are trained to complete basic client files. Volunteers will meet clients, one-on-one, in10 to 30 minutes appointments.
This is a great youth leadership opportunity, but is open to adults as well. Volunteers must have physical ability to lift and carry food bags, accurately fill out paperwork, and attend volunteer hours regularly. The time commitment for this is one half day per week, from either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Breakfast Bookworm

HopeLink Breakfast Bookworm Program is looking for volunteers to help elementary school aged children and their families through their a before-school family literacy program.
Duties involve assisting with set up and distribution of food and books for children and families, helping families remain attentive during the program, and clean up after the program.
Volunteers work one Wednesday morning per month for two hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Volunteers must be willing to complete a background check and fingerprinting. Bookworm volunteers must also have the physical ability to lift and carry medium weight boxes (15-30 pounds) as needed.

Habitat for Humanity/Carry the Load

Description: Come help Habitat For Humanity organize its warehouse. Volunteers will help load and unload donations in the Habitat warehouse. Wear comfortable work clothes and close-toed shoes.
Note: Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Check website for dates. Most dates are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm

Three Square – Kids Café

http://www.threesquare.org

Contact Details:
Las Vegas, NV 89115
Work: 702-644-3663

Volunteers will be asked to help package the lunch boxes that will go to various locations and reach many different children.

Nevada Cancer Institute - Exceptional Event Helpers

http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org

Description: Would you like to help out at special events and health-related educational activities in the community? The Nevada Cancer Institute is looking for volunteers to help out throughout the year at health fairs and the annual Rock the Cure gala.

Volunteers will assist with greeting guests, registration, distributing nametags, coat check, event set-up, and other supporting tasks. Additionally, some special events, sponsored by third parties, may require the assistance of volunteers

Creek-side Hospice

3675 Pecos McLeod Ste 900, Las Vegas, NV 89121 » Map(702) 650-7669

Volunteers needed to visit with patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living home, or group home. Volunteers will talk/listen to the patient, relate to the patient, and keep the patient company. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Helping Hands of Las Vegas

Work: 702-633-7264

dana.sarrata@hhovv.org

Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, Inc. works to develop, coordinate and deliver supportive and assistive services to seniors, thus assisting them to maintain their dignity and independence and improve daily living.
Would you like to help the community’s most in need seniors by sponsoring a food drive? Food drive coordinators can set up a drive at their place of worship, place of employment, school, club, etc. Coordinators can work together as a family (up to 8 family members) to sponsor a food drive. Only the sponsoring family can qualify to earn “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” volunteer service verification.


Volunteer Vegas-Pantry Pals

Agency: Helping Hands of Vegas Valley

Special delivery! Come help deliver food pantry packages to homebound seniors in the valley. Volunteers should have a good driving record and be able to carry 5-10 pounds.

Drivers must be at least 21 years old. Families with children as young as 6 are welcome to participate in this opportunity!

Jewish Family Service Agency/Food Pantry Friend

Las Vegas, NV 89119

www.jfsalv.org/

Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm

Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm

Tonopah Community Garden

Web site: http://aturningpoint.wordpress.com

Create a caring and productive community for youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system. We will produce fresh food for the residents, increase the health of families, assist those overweight and obese, and inspire others to create change. Groups welcome.

Opportunity Village/Social Butterfly

Do you enjoy helping people while having fun? Would you like to help mentor or socialize with others while improving someone’s life? Work with staff and clients in various programs to improve socialization and mentor clients during various recreational activities. No prior training is required just patience and a desire to work with those with disabilities. Activities vary by day and are available at three locations in Las Vegas and Henderson. Please look at the location prior to signing up for this opportunity.


Soup and a Smile

Agency: Las Vegas Catholic Worker

North Las Vegas

Web site: http://www.lvcw.org

Description: Make a real difference in a hungry or homeless person's life by serving soup, tea, bread, and a friendly smile at the Las Vegas Catholic Worker's morning soup line, which serves over 100 people four mornings a week.
No prior skills are necessary - just a friendly, positive attitude toward the soup line customers. Families with children of any age are welcome as well as adults 18 and over. Volunteers of all walks of life and faiths are welcome

American Red Cross - So. Nevada Chap. Super Stocker

Help is needed to pull and fill orders of course materials and equipment for Red Cross hosted training and events. Volunteers will also inspect & approve returning materials & supplies and notify supervisors of items needing to be restocked. Some basic computer/admin skills are a plus. Volunteers are required to complete a background check, driving record check and have a valid license. Good organization, verbal and written communication skills a plus.

Hospitals

Individuals may donate their time by submitting an application to any number of hospitals. They have volunteer programs, adult and youth 15 to 17 yrs old. You may call their volunteer coordinators at:

St. Rose DeLima Campus 702-616-7514

Sienna Campus 702-616-5543

San Martin Campus 702-492-8695

Mt. View Hospital 702-255-5079

Southern Hills 702-880-2105

Valley Hospital 702-388-4560

www.volunteercentersn.org is also a great resource to look for ways to volunteer.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Opposing Entropy

“Everything was organized yesterday but now it’s complete chaos!” Have you ever felt that way? Blame it on the second law of thermo-dynamics, or entropy. Isn’t it great when we can blame science?!

There is a lot more to it but the basic concept of entropy is that without applying energy things tend to go from a state of order to a state of disorder. Examples are everywhere: my desk, leftovers in the fridge, morality in society, etc.

Jacob understood this principle when he said that without some offsetting power, “This flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth” (2 Ne 9:6). The process of entropy is evident in nearly every area of our lives.

Without prayerful, careful, intentional effort, entropy can take over. Our (efforts) may stop resembling the (dedication) that (we feel). (We must renew our focus.) Our projects (and commitments) may be more for convenience rather than to fill real needs. Change them. Prayer or scripture study may (just) become something on a checklist. Make it sincere.

We are touched by the zeal, spirit and energy seen in the Humanitarian Service Rooms. Your faith, hands and minds are perfect opponents for entropy. Rather than “blame science”, as I said at first, may we join forces with the Creator, rather than the destroyer. And trust that His guidance and our efforts will work miracles.

Redacted from "Opposing Entropy" by Christy Boyer, HSR Coordinator

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Local Area Quilt Project
Many of us are aware of our blessings and are moved to acknowledge those blessings by serving and giving of our time and substance.

We are asking for and will be gathering double/full (approx. 90"x90") and crib (approx. 45"x60") sized quilts for local distribution.

Families in need will receive these both practical and symbolic gifts as gestures of warmth and comfort. Many of our area families have been dramatically affected by recent and current economic events. Their circumstances will make some of the most basic acquisitions a luxury.

Unlike the quilts that have been produced for international distribution through Salt Lake City, these quilts may utilize any appropriate fabric, including those that have seasonal or holiday themes.

Those who are moved to respond to this suggestion or invitation are asked to bring or send their donations to the Humanitarian Room, at 3750 West Craig Road, North LV, indicating "for Local Quilt Project" on the donation(s).

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Church Responding to Chile Earthquake

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile are actively assisting in relief efforts and determining how the Church can be of most assistance in the wake of one of the most powerful earthquakes of the last century. See the full story at wwwlds.org/newsroom.


Full Size Quilts still needed for the month of March.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

We are receiving many requests for information on the situation in Haiti. The Church is providing information through its regular information sharing methods.
Additionally, blogs like helpingoutinhaiti.blogspot.com, published by those on the ground in Haiti, sharing their experiences with friends and family through this technology. Take a look and read their accounts of their involvements and efforts.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Check out Current Needs and Destinations updated to the right. Current Needs have remained the same for the month of February.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

COMMUNITY NEEDS
Whitney Elementary School has a high percentage of homelessness within their student population. In recent correspondence with them, they expressed needs for the following:
SHOES-Child size 10 to Adult 10 (needed desperately).
SOCKS-Ankle socks-not tube socks
PANTS-size: SM (8), M (10), LG ( 12), XLG (14-16)
UNDERWEAR-all sizes child to adult
SWEATSHIRTS-hoodies-(kids love these)



They also make weekend bags to be sent home with the kids.
They include:
Mini ravioli pop top cups
Top ramen
Slim Jims
Fruit Snacks
Fruit Cups
mini op top vienna sausage cans
granola bars
juice drinks-bags
bottle water

Donations can be taken directly to them or brought to the Humanitarian Service Room, marked specifically for this purpose.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Church Sending Team of Doctors to Assist in Haiti

SALT LAKE CITY14 January 2010 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending a team of doctors and medical supplies to Haiti immediately to help care for those injured by the devastating earthquake. The doctors will set up a temporary medical center in a Church meetinghouse in Port-au-Prince. The meetinghouse is largely undamaged by the quake.

“We’re finding one of the greatest needs is medical care. Entire hospitals have been destroyed. Medical supplies are scarce. So this temporary medical center will be a tremendous asset,” said Elder Francisco J. Viñas, the area president who oversees the Church in Haiti.

The doctors are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have volunteered their time and skills to assist people in Haiti who are in critical need of medical assistance.

Other urgent needs following the devastating earthquake continue to be water, medical care, shelter and food. The Church is responding to those needs by sending relief supplies in addition to the medical personnel. Some shipments have already arrived, others are in process, and more are being planned.

Two planes, each loaded with 80,000 pounds of supplies donated by the Church, are expected to leave for Haiti on Saturday and Sunday. The supplies on the planes include 15,000 personal filtration bottles, which can each filter and purify 400 gallons of water. Also included in the shipments are food, blankets, hygiene kits, tarps, tents and other necessities. The first flight will leave from Denver on Saturday, 16 January, and the second will leave from Miami that day or the following day. Additionally, hygiene kits and other supplies sent from the Dominican Republic by truck arrived in Haiti on Thursday.

Some of the Church’s meetinghouses in Port-Au-Prince are also being used as temporary shelters for displaced persons.

“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in Haiti. Helping to restore normalcy in the midst of devastation will be our greatest goal. Our focus will be on helping people become self-reliant again.” said Elder Viñas.

The Church continues to monitor the humanitarian situation on an ongoing basis to determine how to best help. Donations for relief efforts can be made athttp://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.

Church Sends Additional Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims

In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is mobilizing resources to address the most pressing needs of the people in the Caribbean nation. Images of collapsed buildings and devastated families tell the story of the widespread destruction.

Two planes, one departing from Denver as early as Thursday and another leaving from Miami later this week, will each include over 80,000 pounds of food and emergency resources such as tents, tarps, water filtration bottles and medical supplies donated by the Church. Transportation is being provided by Airline Ambassadors and Food for the Poor will aid with distribution in Haiti.

“We are constantly assessing needs to determine how our resources can directly help the people of Haiti,” said Nate Leishman, manager of the Church’s humanitarian emergency response efforts. “We are fully committed to this ongoing process and doing our best to help wherever we can.”

These new shipments are in addition to emergency supplies, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns, being sent by truck from the Dominican Republic, as announced early Wednesday by the Church.

“We express our sympathy and prayers on behalf of the citizens of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake,” said Kim Farah, Church spokesperson.

All Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in the country are safe, and Church leaders continue efforts to account for Church members in the area.

Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.